Real Wedding: Lauren Levine & Dan Sager

The Proposal

Dan proposed at the restaurant where the couple had their first date. “On Lauren’s 25th birthday we returned to Pub Dog and, more importantly, the intersection of East Cross and South Charles where, 88 weeks earlier, we had shared our first kiss,” he shares. “I got down on one knee and, in front of God, Thursday bar patrons, and one super enthusiastic homeless man, I asked the love of my life to marry me.” Inside the restaurant was a surprise gathering of their family and friends ready to celebrate their new engagement.

The Planning Process

“I’ve been planning a wedding since I was 10 years old, so to actually be making decisions that would be a part of my real wedding was surreal at times,” shares Lauren.

The Venue

Lauren and Dan had originally booked a different venue. Unfortunately, less than two months prior to their wedding day, the venue unexpectedly shut down with little to no explanation! “Thankfully, we found The Anchorage, and were able to pull off our dream wedding at an equally beautiful venue,” explains Lauren. “We would recommend the Anchorage to couples getting married because not only is the staff extremely knowledgeable and helpful, but the location is beautiful. “

The First Look

The couple chose to do a first look at a park on the water near their church. Their only hesitation was that doing a first look could take away from “the moment” when they first saw each other at the ceremony. “That moment was still incredible,” they share. “They are two completely different feelings, and getting to experience each one separately was perfect, not to mention how much it helped logistically with our schedule and taking pictures.”

The Food

Their caterer created an “upscale barbeque” themed dinner for their wedding. The goal was to have it be beautiful and elegant, while also allowing guests to feel relaxed and laid back. “Everything was delicious, but that corn bread was to die for,” they share. For hors d’oeuvres they also had shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, burger sliders, Old Bay soft pretzel bites, and crab cakes.

The Extra Vendor

“We were on the fence about hiring a videographer, but we are so glad that we did,” they explain. “There were so many moments that we want to watch over and over again. Everything happened so quickly that day so it’ll be nice to relive those moments for years to come!”

The Advice

Lauren and Dan found using reviews to make vendor decisions extremely helpful. They also set a goal to accomplish each month in order to make the planning process less stressful overall. Lastly, they recommend starting DIY projects far in advance. “Those projects always take longer than you think!”